Department of Homeland Security Proposes Dramatic Increase in Deportation Fines
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to significantly raise fines imposed on immigrants ordered for deportation due to missed immigration court hearings. Under this proposal, the civil penalties for individuals with no-show removal orders would surge from $5,130 to a staggering $18,000. This change affects immigrants who have been ordered deported after failing to appear before an immigration judge.
DHS officials have stated that the increase aims to offset the costs associated with deportations while also encouraging what the administration describes as “voluntary deportations.” The proposal, released for public review on May 20, aims to introduce new penalties that will be adjusted annually based on inflation for those who skip immigration hearings and remain in the country after receiving a deportation order.
Concerns Among South Florida Immigrants
Immigrants in South Florida, particularly those from Latin America, are expressing anxiety over the proposed changes. In an interview with CBS News Miami, one immigrant, who requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation, revealed he fits the criteria outlined in the proposal. He described his distress, stating, “I’m shocked; I can’t believe it. These things scare me every day.”
This individual, who entered the United States as a teenager through the southern border, has lived a crime-free life in the country. He emphasized, “In my case, I don’t have that kind of money.” This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety among many facing the potential financial burden of the increased fines.
Immigration attorney Morella Aguado, representing the concerned immigrant, clarified that absentee orders are generated when a person fails to attend a scheduled court hearing. She indicated that her client’s previous attorney had received notice of the hearing but failed to inform him. Aguado is optimistic, stating that there are avenues available to reopen her client’s case. Despite the looming penalties, he remains resolute and expressed, “I’m not doing that because I have a son here. I have a family here.”
Legal Perspectives on the Proposed Fines
Aguado articulated that the proposed fines appear to be aimed at encouraging immigrants to “self-deport” voluntarily. She noted, “The reason we have such a high amount is because people decide to leave on their own.” Indeed, many immigrants are compelled to leave the country due to fears of arrest and potential detention by immigration officials.
However, as this rule is newly proposed, legal experts are awaiting further clarification from DHS regarding the enforcement of the $18,000 fine. In a response to ongoing concerns, DHS has urged undocumented immigrants to utilize the CBP Home app, which facilitates voluntary departures from the U.S. The app allows immigrants to return home at no cost while providing a $2,600 stipend and the option to return legally in the future.
In reiterating the potential consequences of the proposed rule, DHS emphasized that individuals who fail to appear for immigration inspections or do not leave the country after deportation orders could face the steep fine, alongside arrest and expedited deportation without the possibility of re-entry. The agency is currently accepting public comments on the proposed regulations until June 22.
